With only four more days to go before my 15th trip to DreamHack it dawns on me that I have been traveling to this event for over 450 hours so far in my life. So if you need some good tips on ‘How do I survive the roadtrip to DreamHack’, I’m probably your best bet ;). So here goes: My survival guide for
Intel Pack4DreamHack.
Get comfy!
Fiftheen to eighteen hours in a bus is a lot. While traveling seems to go pretty fast thanks to all the awesome people around you, your body will be worn out by the time we stop in front of the Elmia building in Jonkoping. So getting comfortable is your main goal this trip. Wear clothing that are light. Imagine a nice ‘I’m doing nothing’ day at home with your old shirt and baggy jogging pants and you’ll be golden. Next to that (even in the Summer) it’s nice to have a little blanket handy. Get one of those fleece thingies (or a snuggie if your fashion sense can handle it). Next to that a pillow is worth its weight in gold during trips like these. Luckily you will receive an awesome travel package as a goodie. With a sleeping mask, a set of earplugs and of course an inflatable neckpillow you should be able to catch a couple of zzz’s before we arrive.
Be clean!
Please, for the love of god or anything else you might believe in, make sure you are clean before you get on the bus. So, take a shower before you leave home, pack some deodorant in your carry-on bag and if you are smart don’t forget to add a toothbrush and toothpaste to your ‘stuff for on the bus’ bag. You’ll thank me later when you are on a boat around 1 am and are able to brush your teeth. Nothing better than feeling fresh and countering the smells. Believe me if I say that the smell of the average football-dressroom is about a thousand times better than the smell of a bus where 75 people have been traveling in for 18 hours without deodorant. And don’t be afraid to use the deodorant either, I rather cough for a couple of second because I smell deo than smell your sweat all the way through Germany, Denmark and Sweden.
Have fun!
Okay, long bustrips can be annoying, and making sure you get all the Pokémon in your Pokédex can be important, but be aware you are around 75 people that probably have the same interest as you (*cough* gaming *cough*) so be sociable! Say hi to the people around you and start a conversation, the time will fly by when you’re laughing your ass off during the trip and you’ll probably make friends for life in the process. Plus it makes conquering DreamHack itself way more fun.
Be smart!
Making life easier for yourself is what it is about during trips like these. You’ll want to spent as much time enjoying the actual event instead of worrying about stuff that doesn’t really matter in the long run. So some tips:
- Swedish Money? Run to the ATM next to our bus. Cheapest way to get them converted.
- Use the rest stops. Although you can go peepee on the bus (never go number 2 on a bus, ever), doing it during one of the rest stops is always better.
- Sing along with the crazy bus driver. You might hate K3 but it is a tradition. Please just sing along.
- Ask before you do. Getting comfy in the bus is important, and your chair has this little lever that makes your life easier. But please ask the people behind you if they mind you invading their space with your chair ;).
- Ask us (the crew) stuff. We are the people that have been to DreamHack so many times it’s basicly become our livingroom. If you have questions just ask! We know most of the ins and outs and have the tips that’ll make your DreamHack experience even more awesome.
All that is left now is a simple packing list, just to make sure you bring the right stuff:
- ID Card/Passport (we are traveling to another country).
- If you have one, bring your laptop instead of your PC. But at least bring some sort of electronical device that you can game on.
- Please check if you have all the gear and cables needed to control this electronical device.
- Network cable (at the least 15 meters long!)
- A cable lock. You’ll want your stuff to be safe.
- Clothes (5 days, 5 shirts 5… etc!)
- Towels
- Toilet bag with all the essentials (shampoo, toothpaste/brush, deodorant).
- Aspirin and other important meds that could be handy.
- Your sleeping gear (pillow/blanket/sleeping bag/air mattress)
- Mobile phone (and its charger!) and if you have one a USB batterypack thingie.
- Bring your swimming gear! There is an awesome lake and a waterpark nearby the venue. Always refreshing after long gaming sessions!
You now should be prepared to have an awesome Intel Pack4DreamHack, so get excited the upcoming few days and I’ll see you on Friday!
